The 2024 high school football season in Hawaii kicks off this week and MaxPreps has your look at the state's top teams. Defending Open Division state champion
Kahuku owns the No. 1 spot in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25.
Kahuku has won 33 of its last 34 games against in-state opponents and captured three straight Open Division state titles. Since 1989, the Red Raiders have won 11 state crowns and reached the championship game in 10 other seasons.
Seniors
Falealii Atuaia (6-1, 200, LB),
Mana Carvalho (5-11, 165, WR/DB, Utah commitment),
Maximum Fonoimoana (6-3, 200, LB, Utah),
Aiden Manutai (6-0, 195, S, California),
LeBron Williams (6-2, 250, DE, California) lead the charge for Kahuku.
The best player in the state, however, may be under center for rival
Mililani. Committed to Washington, senior quarterback
Kini McMillan (6-0, 200) accounted for over 4,000 yards (3,521 passing, 575 rushing) and 53 touchdowns as a junior for the Trojans, who fell 21-19 to Kahuku in the state championship game.
In addition to Kahuku, defending state champions include
Waipahu in Division I and
Waimea in Division II.
Rankings are computer-generated, factoring in past results and adjustments such as returners and statistical date when available.
Kahuku has appeared in 15 state championship games during the 2000s, including last year's 21-19 win over Mililani for the Open Division title. (Photo: Heston Quan)
1.
Kahuku, 12-2 record in 2023
2.
Mililani, 11-2
3.
Punahou (Honolulu), 7-3
4.
Campbell (Ewa Beach), 9-4
5.
Saint Louis (Honolulu), 4-5
6.
Kamehameha Kapalama (Honolulu), 4-5
7.
Kapolei, 8-4
8.
Waipahu, 8-4
9.
Farrington (Honolulu), 7-4
10.
Konawaena (Kealakekua), 11-2
11.
Kailua, 5-5
12.
Leilehua (Wahiawa), 5-6
13.
Damien (Honolulu), 5-4
14.
Wai'anae, 1-8
15.
Kapa'a, 8-1
16.
Moanalua (Honolulu), 1-7-1
17.
'Iolani (Honolulu), 3-3
19.
Castle (Kaneohe), 1-5
20.
Waimea, 4-5
21.
Nanakuli (Waianae), 1-6-1
22.
Kamehameha Maui (Pukalani), 7-2
23.
Kea'au, 5-4
24.
Lahainaluna (Lahaina), 5-1
